stayclearskin.com

What affects your decision to buy a product?

When you buy skin care products, what makes you decide which one to choose? What affects your decision to buy? Is it the price, the lower the better or you’ll pay a much higher price if it’s a well-known brand? Is it advertising claims telling you you’ll look younger or images of beautiful women you would like to look like? Do you try a sample to see if you like its scent or how it feels on your skin? Maybe it’s the attractive packaging, fancy glass jars or containers? Or do you read the ingredients on the label or packaging? Before you get swayed by advertising or the appearance of the product, take the time to study the ingredients. Here’s a list of some of the most beneficial ingredients and what they can do for your skin, and then decide if a particular product is right for you.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) speed up the exfoliation of dead surface skin to brighten the complexion, soften rough patches and reduce wrinkles. Since they also make skin more sun-sensitive, be sure to wear sunscreen daily.

Beta Hydroxy Acids

Like AHAs, these acids exfoliate, but they also prevent blemishes by penetrating deep within the skin to clear clogged pores.   BHAs, like salicylic acid, are usually found in anti-acne products and can be drying.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 fights fine lines by maintaining skin’s elasticity. Since our Q10 levels decrease with age, Q10-enriched moisturizers can help keep skin firm and wrinkle-free.

Kinetin

Derived from green, leafy plants, kinetin prevents wrinkles by helping skin retain moisture. Products containing kinetin are ideal for sensitive skin because they don’t exfoliate the skin ad therefore do not irritate it.

Retinol

Retinol is a weaker form of the prescription creams Retin-A and Renova. Retinol boosts collagen production and exfoliates dull, damaged skin to smooth wrinkles and fade age spots. Since sunlight makes retinol less effective, retinol products are best applied at bedtime. Here are some products on this site that will deliver the beneficial effects of retinol: Intensive Anti-Aging Anti-Wrinkle Skin Treatment Capsules.

Green Tea Extract (GTE)

Green Tea Extract (GTE) contains potent antioxidants called catechins, which help fight and neutralize the damage to you skin caused by free radicals and exposure to UV rays. Catechins are anti-bacterial, thus decrease hormone activity, a cause for acne. GTE also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties which soothe sensitive skin and rejuvenate and nourish skin cells.  One of the products on this site that offers the benefits of  Green Tea Extract is Phyto Silver Pearl Cream. 

Collagen

Collagen works with keratin to provide the skin with strength, flexibility and resilience. As we get older, collagen degradation occurs, which leads to wrinkles. Collagen is therefore an important substance if you are looking for ways to fight the visible effects of aging on the skin. Some of the products on this site that contain collagen and will deliver its benefits are: (1) Intensive Puffy Eye Complex, (2) Intensive Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream, and (3) Collagen Creme.

Hyaluronic Acid

A relatively newer ingredient used in skin care products, hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the deep layers of our skin (the dermis). It helps to keep skin smooth and “plump” through its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Here are some products on this site that will deliver the beneficial effects of hyaluronic acid: (1)  Phyto Silver Pearl Cream, (2) Bio-Gold Pearl Cream, and (3) Ginseng Cream.

When selecting skin care products for the face, most women concentrate on skin creams for moisturizing and anti aging. While choosing the right moisturizer and anti aging products for your skin is important, many people neglect a step in their weekly skin care routine—exfoliation. According to Rona Berg, author of Beauty, men’s skin looks more youthful than women’s skin because their skin is exfoliated when they shave. Christie Brinkley shared with the world on TV a few years ago that she shaved her face to exfoliate her skin. She said she learned a long time ago that the reason men don’t age as quickly or as drastically as women is because they shave their faces.  Could this be the secret to Christie’s enduring beauty?

Exfoliation is a skin treatment that removes or sloughs off the upper layers of dead skin cells. Exfoliate your facial skin and you will reveal the newer, more translucent layer of tissue underneath. The benefit of exfoliating (getting rid of the old, dead skin cells) is that you prevent your pores from becoming clogged, which could lead to breakouts or blackheads.

Different Methods of Exfoliation

There are different methods of exfoliating skin—physical and chemical. Popular methods are: micro-dermabrasion, chemical peels and retinoids. An excellent scrub for all skin types is Micro Magic.

Using a scrub removes the top layer of dead skin cells that dull your complexion. When selecting a scrub, choose one with exfoliating micro-beads and not scrubs with coarse grains that could possibly damage your skin. The product directions indicate you can use the product daily, and two to three times a week for more sensitive skin. Most cosmeticians advise using a micro-dermabrasion kit once a week to achieve glowing skin.

Chemical peels can take a few years from your face, but are expensive. I have never had a Professional chemical peel, so I cannot talk from experience. However, I trust Bliss beauty products and they recommend bliss fresh face cleanse + peel regimen. This is an over-the-counter peel that would work over time.

Retinoids such as Retin-A or Renova remove the top layer of dead skin cells and at the same time boost collagen in the skin.

Exfoliate Your Skin with these Different Types of  Skin Exfoliators

June Jacobs Sensitive Formula Mandarin Polishing Beads
Paraben and preservative free, this gentle face scrub with a natural aromatic of mandarin oranges formulated especially for delicate skin with allantoin helps to soothe sensitive skin while non-abrasive jojoba micro beads gently sweep away surface dead skin cells. Natural soy bean extract and vitamin E nourish skin to silky smoothness. Powerful patented anti-oxidant blend of white, red and green tea extracts combined with goji berry, pomegranate and grape seed extracts help to neutralize free radicals, protect skin from environmental toxins and combat the visible signs of premature aging. Leaves skin ultra soft, visibly healthy and radiant.

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June Jacobs Perfect Pumpkin Peeling Enzyme Masque

Paraben and preservative free, this spicy, detoxifying masque contains a powerful pumpkin enzyme to digest dead surface cells, stimulating cellular turnover and improving skin’s tone and texture. Pumpkin is naturally rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins A and C, as well as zinc, a mineral that aids in the healing process, which work synergistically to rebuild the elasticity of the skin. Powerful patented anti-oxidant blend of white, red and green tea extracts combined with goji berry, pomegranate and grape seed extracts help to neutralize free radicals, protect skin from environmental toxins and combat the visible signs of premature aging.
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bliss micromagic microdermabrasion treatment
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3% GLYCOLIC SOLUTIONS CLEANSER
This remarkable oil-free, anti-aging and exfoliating cleansing gel helps to effectively remove impurities, makeup and excess oil. A gentle dose of Glycolic Acid helps improve the look of pores, smoothness, brightness and clarity while helping reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
3% Glycolic Acid – chemically exfoliates to help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, pores and smoothness.
Panthenol – Pro Vitamin B5 helps nourish and hydrate the look of skin.
Arginine – helps renew the look of skin.

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Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser – 6.75 oz. – Murad Age Reform

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June Jacobs Intensive Age Defying Peel Pads
Paraben and preservative free, these convenient anti-aging peel pads are infused with a unique complex of lactic, phytic, glycolic acids and retinol to help promote cell turnover and reduce the appearance of fine lines, large pores and skin discoloration without any irritating side effects. These peel pads help to restore brightness to dull uneven skin and leave skin looking soft and smooth with a healthy, radiant glow.

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Watch the video for the ABC’s of why and how to exfoliate your facial skin by charming makeup artist and beauty blogger Gurung Diipa.